Malware Information

Malware information is available in abundance on the Internet, but web-surfers
often find that there is so much information it is difficult to get a straight
answer out of any online site. If you need malware information, you have come
to the right place. At Sunbelt Software, we know malware inside and out because
we are constantly working on ways to find it, remove it, and keep it from
spreading.

Malware Overview

When it comes to basic malware information, computer users should know that
malware is defined by three basic characteristics.

The first characteristic: The malware program will often install itself on a user’s computer without the user realizing it is being installed. Most malware is unintentionally installed when users download freeware or shareware programs.

The second characteristic: It does not provide the computer user with an easy way to uninstall the software. Malware posts no listing in the Add/Remove Programs section of the Control Panel and often installs a “helper” program that monitors whether or not the primary malware program has been removed. If so, the helper program re-downloads and re-installs the application.

The third characteristic: It has the ability to track what you do on your computer. Marketing companies can tailor advertising to individuals using information tracked by malware, and criminals use stolen information to forge documents or open illegitimate lines of credit. In either case, malware is an invasion of your privacy and a problem that must be addressed.

VIPRE® and ThreatNet

When an unknown potential security risk is detected by VIPRE®, you are notified.
If you have enabled ThreatNet, information about that risk will be automatically sent to
Sunbelt Malware Research Labs. This helps to identify new security risks as soon as they occur.
This information is placed into definitions updates, so that it can be made available to
protect all users from new malware.

VIPRE's ability to provide powerful threat detection and remediation is supported by deep research intelligence from the Sunbelt Malware Research Labs. The Research Lab includes some of the industry's leading malware experts, as well as broad capabilities in automated malware research and analysis. In addition to its proprietary research, the Research Lab works extensively within the security community, through cooperative relationships with other security companies and groups; and participation in VirusTotal, the largest online malware submission site. It also provides technology to the security industry, with its threat data in use by some of the world's largest telecommunication, government, education, search engine, and security organizations.

By enabling ThreatNet, you are participating in the fight against malware worldwide.